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Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation

@jbmi_an

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The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation are the original inhabitants of Orange County, CA. The ONLY page for the Acjachemen Nation.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acjachemen Nation Calls for Immediate Cancellation of Boots in the Park

The Tribal Council of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, stands in solidarity with the residents, families, and first responders impacted by the Norte Fire affecting San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and surrounding Orange County communities. As the Indigenous people and original stewards of these ancestral lands, we believe our responsibility is to stand with our community in times of crisis. Families are facing displacement and loss while first responders work tirelessly to protect lives and property. Under these circumstances, Boots in the Park must be canceled. We unequivocally call on the event organizers, Orange County leadership, the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, and all responsible government officials to act immediately and ensure this event does not proceed tomorrow. This is a time for leadership, accountability, and compassion not celebration while our neighbors are suffering. Public safety, emergency response, and the needs of impacted families must come first. As a sovereign Tribal Nation, we stand ready to support appropriate response and recovery efforts and call for meaningful tribal engagement in protecting and monitoring our ancestral lands and cultural resources. Our people have cared for this land since time immemorial, and we remain committed to supporting our community through this emergency.

Our message is clear: Cancel Boots in the Park. Act now. Put our community first.

Issued by the Tribal Chairman and Tribal Council
Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation by @jbmi_an

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Note Fire Evacuation orders in place by @jbmi_an

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San Clemente Norte/ SJC 🔥 by @jbmi_an

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I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Mike Levin for this special honor at the 2nd Annual Local Legends Luau. It was truly humbling to be recognized among so many dedicated community leaders and individuals who make a meaningful difference in our communities.

As Tribal Chairman of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, I accept this recognition with gratitude on behalf of our ancestors, our Tribal Nation, our Tribal Council, and the generations who continue to carry our culture, traditions, and history forward.

Thank you, Congressman Levin, for taking the time to recognize our work and for helping bring visibility to the Acjachemen people and our ongoing commitment to protecting our cultural heritage, our ancestral lands, and our ocean and coastal communities.

It was an honor to be part of an evening celebrating leadership, community, and the spirit of giving back. I look forward to continuing to build meaningful partnerships that create a lasting legacy for our children and future generations. by @jbmi_an

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🌺 Ohana Festival 2026 Honoring Our Culture, Our People, and Our Traditions 🌊

Looking back at some special moments from Ohana Festival 2026! It was an honor for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, to share our culture, traditions, and stories with the community while continuing to raise awareness of our ancestral lands, language, and connection to the ocean.

A heartfelt thank you to our Tribal Elder and Co-Director of our Basket Weaving Committee, Ellen Sue, and her son, Mark, for volunteering their time and dedicating the entire weekend to sharing and supporting our cultural traditions. Your commitment, generosity, and love for our people mean so much to our Nation.

A special thank you to our Tushmal Singers for sharing your beautiful songs and helping bring the spirit of our ancestors to life. Our songs carry our history, our identity, and the voices of generations who came before us.

These moments remind us that our culture is not simply something we share at festivals — it is who we are. Through our elders, our families, our songs, and our traditions, we continue to pass our heritage on to the next generation.

Háwka! Thank you to everyone who helped represent and uplift the Acjachemen Nation at Ohana Festival 2026. ❤️🌿

#AcjachemenNation #OhanaFestival2026 #CulturalRevitalization by @jbmi_an

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We were deeply honored to spend meaningful time with esteemed leaders and cultural stewards of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation's individuals whose leadership, knowledge, and dedication continue to preserve and uplift Native American heritage.

It was a privilege to connect with:
➕Steve Rios — First Commissioner of the Native American Heritage Commission ➕Chairman Nathan Banda @hunwut  ➕Ellen Sue — Head Basket Weaver ➕Chris Lobo — Founder of Native Hands Wines and Director of Government Affairs @nativehandswines
Location: The Village of Putuidem with @rrose.mcfaddenn

These conversations and connections are a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring Native traditions, amplifying Native voices, and celebrating the people who carry their culture and heritage forward for generations to come.

Through Isabella Rose Design Co., we are honored to be producing a special series in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, sharing stories that recognize the beauty, resilience, artistry, and enduring legacy of our native communities. The series will premiere this November, and we cannot wait to share!

#isabellarosedesignco #nativeleaders #nativeamericanheritagemonth #explore #socal taken in San Juan Capistrano, California by @jbmi_an

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Honoring Our Roots. Uplifting Our Future.

We are not just part of history. We are here. We are thriving. We are the continuation of those who came before us.

There are many faces of Indigenous Peoples across this land, representing distinct Nations, cultures, languages, and traditions. These are just some of ours.

Each face tells a story. Each generation carries a legacy. Together, they reflect the strength, beauty, diversity, and future of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not only about remembering our ancestors or honoring the struggles of the past. It is about celebrating who we are today, uplifting our people, creating opportunities for our youth, and building a future where our culture, voices, and traditions continue to flourish.

Our identity is not confined to history books. It lives in our families, our communities, our accomplishments, our laughter, our leadership, and the dreams of generations yet to come.

We are not simply preserving a legacy. We are building one.

Today and every day, we celebrate the many faces of Indigenous strength, pride, and possibility.

Eyaa’ Poncha | Together We Rise.

#IndigenousPeoplesDay #AcjachemenNation #JuaneñoBandOfMissionIndians #IndigenousPride #JBMIAN taken in Juaneno Band of Mission Indians tribal office by @jbmi_an

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Join the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation in partnership with Stand Up To Trash as we celebrate Native Heritage Month at the Village of Putuidem.

Spend the morning with us learning about Native plants, learning a Native song, and taking part in family-friendly activities while connecting with the living culture and traditions of the Acjachemen people.

Sunday, November 15, 2026
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Village of Putuidem @ Northwest Open Space
30291 Camino Capistrano
SJC CA 92675

Light food and snacks will be provided.
Please scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP. taken in Northwest Open Space by @jbmi_an

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This year, Mission San Juan Capistrano marks 250 years. As part of the celebration, the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation was recognized with an official proclamation, and Tribal Chairman Nathan Banda served as an honorary for the 2026 Romance of the Mission.

On behalf of our Tribal Council, our elders, and all of our people, we thank the Mission Preservation Foundation and its Board of Directors for honoring the Acjachemen Nation and our lasting ties to this sacred place.

This proclamation holds deep meaning for us. Our ancestors lived through tremendous hardship and change during the Mission era. Their hands raised the walls that still stand today, and many generations of our families were baptized here. Their strength, sacrifice, and contributions remain part of the story of San Juan Capistrano.

As this milestone is celebrated, we are reminded how important it is to tell the complete history of this land, including the story of the Acjachemen people who have always called it home. We are grateful that our Nation continues to have a voice in honoring and preserving this landmark.

We extend special thanks to Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams and the Foundation Board for this recognition, and for acknowledging the leadership of our Tribal Council, the wisdom of our elders, and the respect and partnership that continue to grow between us.

This honor belongs to all of us: our ancestors, our elders, our families, and the generations still to come. Our history lives on in our people, our culture, and the path we carry forward together.

#Acjachemen #JBMIAN #MissionSanJuanCapistrano #Mission250 # StillHere taken in Juaneno Band of Mission Indians tribal office by @jbmi_an

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Honoring Our History, Our Ancestors, and the Acjachemen Nation

It was a profound honor to accept the proclamation issued by Mission San Juan Capistrano in recognition of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, and to serve as an honorary for the 2026 Romance of the Mission celebration during this historic year marking the 250th anniversary of the Mission.

On behalf of our Tribal Council, elders, and the entire Acjachemen Nation, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Mission Preservation Foundation and its Board of Directors for acknowledging our people, our history, and our enduring connection to this historic landmark.

This recognition carries a meaning that reaches far beyond a proclamation. Our ancestors endured profound changes and challenges throughout the Mission era. They helped build the very walls that stand today, and generations of our people were baptized within this Mission. Their stories, sacrifices, resilience, and contributions are forever woven into the history of San Juan Capistrano.

As we commemorate 250 years, it is important that we continue to recognize the full history of this place, including the experiences of the Indigenous people whose homeland it has always been. We are grateful for the acknowledgment of our Nation’s continued involvement in celebrating and preserving our deep connection to this historic landmark.

Thank you for recognizing the leadership of our Tribal Council, the wisdom and contributions of our tribal elders, and the ongoing spirit of collaboration, respect, and understanding that continues to strengthen our relationship.

A special thank-you to Executive Director Milechelle Lawrence Adams and the entire Mission Preservation Foundation Board for this meaningful recognition and for expressing gratitude for the contributions of the Acjachemen Nation.

As Tribal Chairman, I accept this honor with humility, knowing that it represents not just me, but our ancestors, our elders, our families, and the generations who continue to carry our culture and traditions forward.

Our history is not only part of the past. It is alive in our people, our identity, and our responsibility to future generations. by @jbmi_an

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Tribal Chairman Nathan K. Banda is honored and excited to serve as a panelist at the 35th Annual Environmental Law Conference in Yosemite, joining distinguished professionals to discuss Environmental Justice on the Coast and Community Partnerships.

The panel will feature Angela Howe – Attorney, California Department of Justice, Charles Lester – Marine Science Institute, Kimonos Silva – USD School of Law & Nathan K. Banda Chairman, Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation

The conference will open with a plenary featuring California Attorney General Rob Bonta, bringing together leaders and professionals committed to addressing environmental challenges and advancing justice for our communities.

It is a profound honor for the Acjachemen Nation to be the only tribal nation represented at this conference. Opportunities like this are about more than participation they are about ensuring that our ancestral voices, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences are included in the conversations shaping the future of California’s coastlines, waterways, and natural resources.

Environmental justice begins with recognizing the original stewards of this land. Our ancestors have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial, and our responsibility to protect them continues today. Through meaningful partnerships, government-to-government engagement, and community collaboration, we can ensure that Indigenous perspectives remain part of the decisions that affect our ancestral territories.

We are also honored that the Associated Tribes of Yosemite National Park will provide the opening prayer and ceremony, reminding us of the enduring connection between Indigenous peoples, our lands, and our responsibilities to future generations.

As Tribal Chairman, I remain committed to building relationships that strengthen tribal sovereignty, protect our cultural and natural resources, and ensure that the story of the Acjachemen Nation continues to be heard throughout California and across Indian Country.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏻Partnership. Stewardship. Tribal Sovereignty. Environmental Justice. by @jbmi_an

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The Acjachemen Nation has stewarded Southern California waterways for centuries, long before it became what we call Orange County. Yet now they face barriers to accessing our creeks and streams because the County of Orange imposed an illegal "No Trespassing" ordinance.

Earlier this week, Coastkeeper sent a letter to the OC Board of Supervisors challenging this ordinance as it violates the California Constitution.

Tribal Chairman Nathan K. Banda told the OC Register why public access to Orange County's creeks and waterways is so important for the Acjachemen Nation's current and future generations. Read the full story in our Linktree.

Photo Credit: Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG by @jbmi_an

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